Digs for Animals: We build Habitats for Zoomanity!
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Blog Archive
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Monday, September 23, 2024
Toads R Us
I've got a thing for toads. Always have. Proof- a vintage 1970s toad planter I have cherished since I was 5. I fell in love with it, and the toads "living" in my window well, and the rest is history. (I still wonder to this day whether anyone ever rescued the toads.)
They're just so unassuming, so happy to just be here. They wiggle their toes when they get a snack. LOOK at this face and tell me you don't love it. I DARE YOU!
But there's a lot of people who own them without knowing the first thing about what they need. They fall in love, take them home and only then realize they need help.
So, I wrote a care manual- it's a work of love in progress. But maybe you'll stumble on this and it will help you.
I have cared for Western toads, Western Spadefoot toads (longevity record, here!) and Western Woodhouse toads professionally for 25 years. Much of this knowledge can be directly applied to any species of American Toad. Note: I am not a breeding expert- but a girl can dream.
My favorite toad-a-tat is here. It was on display only for a short while, but it made me so happy.
Friday, August 30, 2024
Bare Bottom or Chunky? Different ponds for different needs
There's Koi Ponds and there's Pond-Ponds, aka "natural" ponds. I love them both, but they are really different ecosystems sometimes.
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Do you need to chat with a vet?
We know that you want to provide the best possible life for your animals, but sometimes a trip to your local vet is not immediately practical, or you might not even be sure it is time to go! Holly Richards DVM will spend some time on a video conference with you to talk about nutrition, quality of life, training, or any questions about what you are observing with your animals.
Note: This is NOT a replacement for in-person veterinary care. Dr. Richards will not be prescribing medications or treating your animal. Sometimes an encouraging voice is all you need!
20-30 minute video conference: $72
Write to Leslie for more information BeNiceToSnakes@gmail.com
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Brackish water turtle tank design
I love designing with this program, it doesn't include everything, but it makes me think and create differently.
Designed with a softshell and cohabitating fish inside.
Bench on the side hides equipment!
- basking ledge, free for swimming underneath
- open top, pendant lighting/ heat
- planters on ledges
- false strangler fig as 3D effect, backdrop could be added as sun shield
- some elements can go beyond glass for an added effect
- equipment hidden in bench
- low front panel is turtle safe and invites the viewer to enjoy a closer feel
A redesign concept for a tortoise yard
Sometimes I redesign using software that can force me to think in new, creative ways. every detail is not included, but it's so fun to just conceptualize!
Here, I redesigned a friend's sulcata tortoise yard that it shares with goats and pigs. I wanted the tortoise hide to be something the goats could safely stand on, since they'd totally do it anyway. 😅
🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

They a LOT need room like horses. Horses that dig. Relentlessly.
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
"Rabbit the Boa gets a "rabbitat"
He already had a big habitat, but he needed BIGGER! 😁
Some of my inspiration:
The shell design
The finished shell by Seventeen seconds Design. you can see his old habitat to the left. Way too small!
Backdrop printed on cintra and edges sealed with silicone
Paint time! Maker Pro Paints are AMAZINGLY strong
Test fit
Hi, my name is Leslie and I am Color-phile
All sealed up with epoxy and ready to roll!
Meet the team
Welcome to Digs! "We build habitats for zoo-manity" ~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_ My name is Leslie and I am a seasoned, professional animal ke...

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You can protect wildlife and still enrich your cat. Let us be your Care Counselors. We love cats, and we love lizards and birds. Can we...
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I've got a thing for toads. Always have. Proof- a vintage 1970s toad planter I have cherished since I was 5. I fell in love with it, and...
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Check out this beauuuuuuutiful aviary! https://freerangeparrots.org/2019/08/13/aviary-2-0/ And this porch convert! https://freshpatio.com/d...